LC-MS-MS Determination of Rotenone, Deguelin, and Rotenolone in Human Serum

For the first time we report a rapid and sensitive LC-MS-MS method for quantification of rotenone, deguelin, and rotenolone in human serum. The analytical procedure involves extraction with ethyl acetate without further clean-up. The active ingredients were separated on a C-8 reversed-phase column by isocratic elution. Eleven simultaneous transitions of precursor ions were monitored. Excellent selectivity and sensitivity enables quantification and identification of low levels of rotenoids (LOD 2 ng mL(-1), LOQ 5 ng mL(-1)) in human serum.